Landing Signals Officers (LSOs) are gods among men. They defy the laws of physics and decorum alike, to ensure Navy carrier pilots land safely. Their tools include a keenly calibrated eye, a smooth radio voice, and an exaggerated swagger – all essential for bringing pilots home safely every time. Three feet high and a pilot won’t land. Fourteen feet low and things get really bad. Call their parents to confess bad. All at 140 mph, on calm sunny days and stormy nights where the ship is see-sawing 40 feet in the air. It was a hell of a job
Wow I had goosebumps during this whole piece. I agree with everyone who told you to share this story. Taking your last experiences and looking at them through your current lens is super powerful.
The videos were an incredible addition here as well.
Thanks C.A. I'm grateful you clicked through and watched them. Those videos brought back good and not as good memories. But most of all, I felt the pride of those old days.
Loved the story - keep them coming. You are the sum of all your stories and anything that made you who you are is worth sharing with those who care about you, especially if there is a lesson to be learned.
Thanks Michael. No MOVLAS that day, save those stories for another time. And the Velocity Vector doesn't do as much good when the deck is pitching like that. Also, this was pre-Magic Carpet.
Oh boy! This —> “If you hear my voice, I need you to ignore what you see outside and just trust that I’m going to get you home. Don’t you even start dreaming about beer at the bar without me. You understand?” THANKS for sharing Latham… got my adrenaline going this morning.
This is so badass and beautiful at the same time. My hands were sweating reading this, lol. Such a captivating window into your life, and I would absolutely encourage you to let these pieces of you and these memories of your “past life” fly free. They’re stunning.
I was obsessed with Top Gun when I was a kid and always wanted to experience what it was like to fly in a fighter jet and take off and land on an aircraft carrier. But after reading this riveting story, maybe I don't want to do the landing part so much after all lol
Landing on the boat is some of the most fun I've ever had. It was terrifying and exhilarating and transcendent at the same time. Top Gun doesn't really do it justice, even though it has some great material. Thanks for reading.
Wow I had goosebumps during this whole piece. I agree with everyone who told you to share this story. Taking your last experiences and looking at them through your current lens is super powerful.
The videos were an incredible addition here as well.
Also, thanks for the shoutout. That means a lot.
Thanks C.A. I'm grateful you clicked through and watched them. Those videos brought back good and not as good memories. But most of all, I felt the pride of those old days.
I'm grateful you're here.
Loved the story - keep them coming. You are the sum of all your stories and anything that made you who you are is worth sharing with those who care about you, especially if there is a lesson to be learned.
Oh man, I need a beer just from reading this. Gripping, entertaining, and fascinating. More please!!
Thanks Rick. And thank you for pushing me to tell it.
: )
Such a kickass story, told beautifully. So glad you shared it.
Thanks for helping me make it what it is.
Was at the edge of my seat reading this. Incredible. I bet those 15 seconds felt like an eternity.
Thanks Justin. Every 15 seconds was an eternity in that job. So many memorable stories.
Edge of the seat stuff, Latham. Where have all these stories been???
Haha, usually hiding behind a pint or two. But like I said, good friends really pushed me. Maybe I'll have to tell some more.
Your story transcends that boundary between civilian and military and allows all to feel the squeeze of responsibility that is life & death.
Thank you Stephen. I'm glad it resonated.
no need to hide those 'old' stories away mate!
Ah CAG! Y’all done good. Was it MOVLAS? Velocity vector not used there? How about those big wing pilots getting aboard ? Maybe just the E-2 then?
Thanks Michael. No MOVLAS that day, save those stories for another time. And the Velocity Vector doesn't do as much good when the deck is pitching like that. Also, this was pre-Magic Carpet.
Thanks for reading. I'm glad you liked it
Oh boy! This —> “If you hear my voice, I need you to ignore what you see outside and just trust that I’m going to get you home. Don’t you even start dreaming about beer at the bar without me. You understand?” THANKS for sharing Latham… got my adrenaline going this morning.
Glad you liked it Frank. Thanks for reading
This is so badass and beautiful at the same time. My hands were sweating reading this, lol. Such a captivating window into your life, and I would absolutely encourage you to let these pieces of you and these memories of your “past life” fly free. They’re stunning.
Thank you Grace. I'm going to keep trying, at least as part of regular programming.
Loved this, Latham. Great job...so many memorable words to take away...your respect for the sea is palpable, the tension...the fear....love it!
I was obsessed with Top Gun when I was a kid and always wanted to experience what it was like to fly in a fighter jet and take off and land on an aircraft carrier. But after reading this riveting story, maybe I don't want to do the landing part so much after all lol
Landing on the boat is some of the most fun I've ever had. It was terrifying and exhilarating and transcendent at the same time. Top Gun doesn't really do it justice, even though it has some great material. Thanks for reading.
What a wild job and collab between pilot and LSO. Well told story!
Thanks Alex. Those were fun days. I miss them more than I ever thought I would.
Excellent story telling...very cinematic. Got more?? Then share!
My heart’s still pounding!! Full respect. And definitely more of these old stories, please!